2013 marks the 2nd generation of the Lincoln MKZ. In an effort to regain some credibility in the luxury space, Lincoln endowed its best seller with a sleek new exterior design, more powerful and fuel-efficient engines (including a hybrid powertrain), and a full menu of high-tech gizmos such as Active Park Assist that automatically steers the car into a parallel parking space.

There has been little more than tweaking for the 2012 model of the Lincoln MKZ, a reliable indicator that an all-new MKZ sedan is just over the horizon. In the interim, numerous premium features have been made standard, such as heated and cooled seats. And, as with most Ford passenger vehicles, there remains a huge emphasis on in-car technology, such as SYNC Applink. Finally, there are two new metallic colors: Crystal Champagne and Cinnamon.

The 2015 Lincoln MKZsedan competes in the most hotly contested luxury segment there is, against many well established brands. Beyond its styling, the 2015 MKZ offers up a compelling level of equipment, including all-wheel drive (AWD) and a hybrid model that costs the same as the base 4-cylinder model. As an alternative to cars like the Lexus ES 350, the MKZ is a compelling package. However, this 5-passenger Lincoln's biggest competition may come from within, specifically, the Ford Fusion upon which it is based. Like the Lincoln, the Fusion offers up a lot of eye candy for its segment, and a lot of high-tech features. It also costs significantly less, and unfortunately for this Lincoln, could very well be on the same dealer lot.